2025 has proven to be a challenging year for Microsoft, particularly in the realm of public perception. The tech giant faced accusations of deliberately contributing to the “enshittification” of its products, including Xbox, Surface, and Windows. This turmoil has resulted in a noticeable shift in support, with many of its former advocates distancing themselves from the company.
Windows 11, the flagship operating system, has not escaped scrutiny, suffering from a myriad of bugs and underwhelming AI features. While enhancements to Microsoft Teams are on the horizon, they may not suffice to address the broader concerns surrounding the company’s direction. However, amidst these challenges, there are promising developments emerging from Qualcomm.
Qualcomm’s New Chips and Windows 11 Upgrade
Qualcomm has recently unveiled its Snapdragon X2 Elite and X2 Elite Extreme chips, which are set to rival Apple’s M4 Max. These new processors, built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, promise significant improvements in performance and efficiency compared to their predecessors. With advancements across CPU, GPU, and NPU capabilities, the excitement is palpable.
But how does this relate to Microsoft? The tech giant is preparing an update to Windows 11 that will be essential for utilizing Snapdragon X2-based processors. The forthcoming Windows 11 version 26H1 is designed specifically to support this next-generation silicon, marking a pivotal moment for users looking to leverage the latest hardware advancements.
This mirrors the earlier release of Windows 11 version 24H2, which was similarly required for the original Snapdragon X chips to function effectively.
Enhancements in Windows 11
Among the anticipated features in Windows 11 is the return of the Agenda view in the Taskbar calendar flyout, a functionality familiar to users of Windows 10. This feature, which allows users to view upcoming events and meetings, was notably absent in the initial rollout of Windows 11. The calendar flyout previously served merely as a date checker, but with the introduction of Agenda view, it will now integrate seamlessly with users’ calendars.
In addition, Microsoft is set to improve the dark mode experience in Windows 11. Since its launch, dark mode has faced criticism for its inconsistency. However, recent testing indicates that Microsoft is finally addressing these concerns, with plans to unify the appearance of various components within the operating system. Key areas slated for enhancement include:
- The default and expanded state for copy, move, and delete dialogs
- Progress bars and chart views
- Dialogs for confirming actions such as skip, override, and file selection
- Multiple confirmation and error dialogs
- Run prompt window
These updates signal a commitment to refining the user experience, with further dark mode integrations expected in the future.
Controversial Features in Microsoft Teams
However, not all news from Microsoft is met with enthusiasm. A recent entry in the Microsoft 365 Roadmap has raised eyebrows regarding a new feature in Teams that would automatically update users’ work locations based on their Wi-Fi connections. While this feature will be disabled by default, it has sparked concerns about privacy and surveillance in the workplace.
Despite the backlash, many organizations already employ methods to track employee locations and activities. The addition of this feature in Teams simply provides another avenue for monitoring.
Honorary Mention: Xbox Full Screen Experience
On a more positive note, the Xbox Full Screen Experience has begun to roll out, enhancing the gaming interface for users. Initially introduced on the Xbox Ally, this feature is now becoming available to a broader audience. It streamlines the Xbox app as the primary interface for games and services, optimizing performance by reducing background applications on Windows.
This experience is being extended to various gaming handhelds, including the Lenovo Legion series, and can even be emulated using third-party tools.
As Microsoft navigates through these turbulent waters, the upcoming year holds the potential for significant transformations within its ecosystem. The question remains: will 2026 mark a turning point for Microsoft and Windows 11?
